Maxwell knows that being a ninja takes courage, stealth, and the right equipment. Clad in black (except for a necktie headband and rubber gloves) and well-armed (with a jump rope and a pool cue), Maxwell is intent on his covert objective: to steal his little sister's milk and cookies. As he prowls through the house, his serious narration is undercut by the goofy, comic book-style antics shown in the illustrations. Even after he's caught and "dishonoured" (sent to his room), kids will root for the irrepressible Maxwell and his belief that no matter what, a ninja "must believe in his ability to rebound."